Return to Kinthaldith

A novel by Meredith Skye

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In the morning, Jesh packed up his few belongings to go report to Lord Risser. Lujen was already up, making some tea. Jesh set his pack and bedroll on the floor and sat down at the table.

"You won't need that," said Lujen.

"What?"

"Leave the bedroll. They'll have better supplies than that in the House."

Lujen gave Jesh a cup of tea and offered him a few rolls, then sat down, looking troubled. "I think it's odd that he'd request your help like this," he said.

Jesh had also wondered about that all night. "Maybe he's realizing at last that my help could be valuable. Who else knows about the Prenth?"

Lujen shook his head. "Or is he planning something against you? It seems like a sudden change of heart. He's been after you ever since you came back." Lujen took a drink of tea, thinking for a moment. "I hate to say it, but Lord Risser is...." he paused, afraid to say what he felt out loud. "He is stubborn and immature. I'm afraid of what would happen to the Hasson if Lady Tireth gave him full command. And I'm worried what he might do to you."

Jesh considered this quietly.

"Whatever you do, don't swear fealty to him."

"Why not?" asked Jesh.

"Because..." Lujen hesitated and then seemed to change his mind about what he was going to say. "Because he may not end up being the lord of the Hasson. Lady Tireth hasn't confirmed him yet. If she chooses someone else, you'll still be stuck with Risser for the rest of your life."

Jesh considered this. "How likely is that? That she would choose someone else?"

Lujen paused, then shook his head. "I shouldn't talk about it--but it is possible. Lord Risser and Lady Tireth have had differences. Just be cautious."

Jesh nodded. He finished eating, said goodbye to Lujen, and left.

The truth was that Jesh couldn't help but feel more hopeful. His family had served the lords of the Hasson for generations, and despite how badly things had gone since his return, he felt that perhaps now he could get back in favor and no longer be thrall. He still felt self-conscious of his own clothing—black, the color of disgrace. As thrall, he wasn't even worthy of wearing the yinnesthan of the House of Hasson with its traditional white and blue. Everyone who saw him could see his state of disfavor.

Though Jesh knew his way around the House, he reported to the Head Master, Eskavann, who smiled at him. "Welcome back." He led Jesh up to the wing where Lord Risser lived--and where his father, Lord Demmin, had lived long ago. Jesh had lived there with him. It brought back a lot of memories--happy memories.

"You've been assigned this room," said Eskavann, showing him to a room not far from where he knew Lord Risser's quarters were. Jesh entered the room. It was huge. Not just a small servant's room. Jesh felt excited. It was a good sign. Lord Risser was giving him status by giving him such good quarters.

"Thank you," said Jesh. There were actually two rooms--a small sitting room and a separate bedroom. Jesh inspected it quickly. There was even a very small bathroom. Only important servants got accommodations such as this.

"I've had the room stocked with supplies. If you lack anything, let me know."

Jesh nodded. There was even a modest desk in the bedroom. "Thank you."

The man left him, and Jesh put his bag of meager belongings on the bed. The blankets on the bed were thick and well-made. Jesh found it hard to believe that Risser could have bad intentions against him and allow him this kind of honor. Or had Lady Tireth had them assign him to this room?